Price’s Stock Is Rising Despite Early Self-Doubts

It’s a bit early yet, and he’s having to go through a thought process that makes him a step slow--until he has the ball in his hand.

Running back Durrell Price is only two months out of Sylmar High, and the college game is at times bewildering. When the play is called, the first thought is where to line up, then what to do when the ball is snapped. That’s the problem--thinking instead of just reacting and letting ability take over.

“I’ve run into plays where I don’t know my assignment,” he said. ‘

“It’s not embarrassing, but when you want to impress a coach, you don’t want to make a mistake.”

There have been mistakes, but he has impressed.

Coach Bob Toledo confirmed that Tuesday, naming him the backup to starter Skip Hicks.

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UCLA finished two-a-day practices, with Toledo still concerned about the timing on pass plays and the missed passes, and about the tackling. . . . Wide receiver Jim McElroy joined the ranks of the injured with a back spasm.